In a previous article, I shared with you all just how exhausting the beginning of my skincare journey was. Honestly, I tried everything you can think of: all-natural skin products, social media gurus, and my all-time favorite home remedies. It was a disaster. Last time we talked about skincare, we had A group of estheticians answer all your skincare questions to help you continue or start your journey. Today, let's talk about sunscreen.
When my constant failures on the journey to perfect skin led me to an esthetician, I learned about the importance of certain products, including SPF or sunscreen. Once I started using a moisturizer with SPF, I saw significant improvements in my skin, especially in reducing hyperpigmentation. What I didn’t know was that there are different types of sunscreens.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens
You’re probably wondering, are there really different types of sunscreen? Yes, there are two main types: mineral and chemical sunscreen. What's the difference between them?
In our sunscreen article, Sunscreen for dark skin - Face & Body, we defined and discussed the difference, “chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the UV rays, converting it into heat and releasing it while mineral sunscreens are designed to sit on top of the skin, acting as a physical barrier to reflect these same rays.” In simpler terms, mineral sunscreen acts like a mirror, while chemical sunscreen functions like a sponge.
How to Identify Mineral Sunscreen
To determine if you have a mineral sunscreen, check the active ingredients on the back of the bottle. Mineral sunscreens typically contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. If your sunscreen doesn't contain these ingredients, then you have a chemical sunscreen.
Which Sunscreen Should You Wear?
Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are effective at providing sun protection when used correctly. However, mineral sunscreens are better for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreens for people with sensitive skin.
4 Mineral Sunscreens to Consider
Finding the perfect mineral sunscreen can be time-consuming, as many leave a blue cast. To save you time, we’ve done the research for you. Here are four mineral sunscreens you should consider:
Lightweight with a dewy finish is the best way to describe this mineral sunscreen. On top of that, this lightweight moisturizer leaves a clear or minimal cast.
A social media sensation that is true to its name, this mineral sunscreen leaves a dewy finish with no cast.
Unlike other tints, instead of being heavy like foundation, CoTZ tint is lightweight and comes in two different shades: Lightly Tinted and Richly Tinted. This mineral sunscreen has little cast
Let’s thank Winnie Harlow for her hard work because this mineral sunscreen is easy to blend with little to no cast. It is supposed to leave an illuminating finish, so imagine a subtle glow.
By incorporating the right sunscreen into your skincare routine, you can protect your skin and improve its overall health. Happy sun protection!
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